Chapter 57 – Revealed: The God-Slaying Sacred Gear Has Awakened!
The moment Akira saw the look on the goddess's face—one that mirrored a predator eyeing its prey—a cold wave of disgust rippled through his chest.
It was the expression of a cat toying with a mouse. Not ready to devour it just yet… but relishing the game. Playing, tormenting, draining it of all hope—then consuming it slowly.
"If you're referring to what lies beneath Hephaestus' eyepatch… then I'm afraid, Lady Freya, you'll be disappointed," Akira said calmly, voice unwavering.
"Oh? So you've seen her true face? And you still like her?" Freya raised a curious brow.
"Compared to gods who look flawless on the surface but are rotten to the core, Hephaestus is like a lotus blooming in the mud—pure, untouched by the filth around her."
"Hah… She isn't untouched, child. The filth simply refuses to stain her. There's a difference. Learn it."
"Such arrogance. But I suppose… you are a god."
"Let go of that ugly woman and come to me. Only I can give you real happiness. Come, fall into my arms," Freya beckoned, voice laced with divine sweetness.
Once again, she unleashed the natural charm of her domain—Beauty. It wasn't a spell, a skill, or even a technique. It was as natural to her as breathing. Irresistible. Unavoidable.
But this time… Akira was ready.
Her charm no longer held sway over him.
"You've insulted the goddess I admire—again and again. I've had enough, Freya. This time… I'm truly angry."
"My, my… just as I expected from the boy I've taken an interest in. You're not swayed at all this time. You really are serious. But unfortunately…" Her eyes glinted with divine amusement. "Whoever I desire… becomes mine."
To Freya, desire was all that mattered. What she wanted—she took. That was the law of her existence.
She didn't care about what Akira wanted.
As long as she had him for just one night, that was enough. No man ever walked away after that. Not even other gods. She had proven it—countless times across the ages.
"How many times do I need to say it?" Akira sighed, frustration creeping into his voice. "I have principles. I'm not interested in women like you. To me, you're no different from the working girls in the Pleasure Quarter."
"You dare… compare me to them?"
Freya's alluring smile faded in an instant. A chill radiated from her body—icy, sharp.
Akira had stepped on her pride.
She was Freya—an untouchable goddess. How dare a mortal equate her to common harlots?
"There's no difference at all," Akira continued coldly. "The only thing that separates you from them is the clientele. You serve gods and gifted men. They serve for coin. The purpose might be different, but the essence is the same."
"You foolish brat. Are you trying to provoke me?" Freya's voice dropped, her eyes narrowing.
Oh, she knew he was provoking her. Intentionally. But it didn't matter.
She'd had enough.
"Ottar~"
The moment her soft, chilly voice echoed through the room, Akira knew the last line had been crossed.
"Yes, Lady Freya."
The door opened. Ottar stepped in without hesitation.
He had been standing guard outside from the start—ready, waiting for this exact signal.
Ottar. Freya's most loyal follower. He obeyed without question. He never grew jealous, even when Freya showed interest in other men. To him, she was like the wind—touching all, belonging to none.
For years, he had brought men to her—trained them, shaped them, polished them for her pleasure.
If anyone could be called "the king of worshippers," it was Ottar. A man who loved silently, to the bitter end.
"Ottar, take him away," Freya ordered. "Teach him well. Tomorrow… I'll enjoy him thoroughly."
"As you wish, Lady Freya."
Without hesitation, Ottar stepped forward.
Watching the scene unfold, Akira couldn't help but let out a dry laugh.
What kind of "education" was this?
He never imagined something like this would happen. This was a first—even for him.
"Don't resist. I won't guarantee your body stays intact if you do," Ottar warned as he approached, towering over him.
There was arrogance in his voice, his stance, his gaze.
And that… disgusted Akira even more.
"Oh dear~ Oh dear~ Is there something about my face that makes people think I'm easy to push around lately? Why does everyone want to step on me?"
"If you resist, I won't hold back."
"You want to make me suffer?"
Akira's tone suddenly turned flat. But beneath that flatness… lurked razor-sharp killing intent.
Ottar felt it. As a warrior, how could he not? But he didn't care.
To him, Shin Akira was still just a lamb brought before the altar.
That's when it happened.
Shadows began crawling across the floor—rippling, spreading—engulfing the room.
And from those shadows… figures began to emerge.
One by one, his Shadowkhan stepped forward from the darkness.
Even then, Ottar didn't flinch.
He already knew about Akira's connection to the Shadow Realm. He had read the reports. Studied them.
"You think these shadow soldiers can defeat me? Impossible. No matter how many ants gather… they'll never take down a dragon."
"…You mistake yourself for a dragon?" Akira raised an eyebrow. "You're nothing but a boar. Don't compare yourself to a creature of legend."
"I'm stronger than you. That's all that matters."
"Stronger than me…?"
Akira's lips curled into a smirk.
The next moment—boom—a surge of magic exploded from his body.
[Boost!]
A crimson gauntlet materialized around his arm, radiating power.
The pressure in the room shifted instantly.
"That… that's dragon aura! You… you possess a draconic Artifact?! Was it given to you by Hephaestus? No… that's not possible. Her access to divine forges was sealed long ago…"
Freya's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at his arm. She knew that gauntlet.
"This is a Sacred Gear," Akira replied with a chilling smile. "A divine weapon… that resides within me."
He raised his arm, gauntlet gleaming in the light.
"So come, Ottar. Try me. Let's find out—when facing a real dragon… what exactly can a wild boar like you do?"
"Hmph. As you wish."
The two locked eyes.
The air grew heavy.
A battle that would shake the very walls of Orario…
Was about to begin.
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